Arcadia

ArcadiaThe Arcadia was was built and launched in 2004. The Arcadia, is a Vista Class of ship in the P&O Cruises fleet. She was originally ordered by Holland and America Lines but was allocated to Cunard and was then destined to become the Queen Victoria. This decison was changed shortly before completion. There are a few tell tale signs in the design of the ship that you may think are similar to other Cunard ships, this is why.

In April 2005, the British olympic athlete and gold medal winner, Dame Kelly Holmes named the ship Arcadia for P&O cruises fleet. The Arcadia is third largest in the P&O Cruises fleet of seven ships. The Arcadia is designed to offer an intimate cruising experience. The The ship is exclusively for adults and offers a relaxed pace, stylish surroundings and more than a hint of extravagance. The expansive art collection features no less than 3,000 works of art. The ship also has glass fronted lifts, which look amazing.

Dining on board the Arcadia is a celebration of British food. The main dining room, called The Meridian Restaurant, serves open seating breakfast and lunch, then provides fixed seating dinner over an early and late sittings. Menu's for breakfast include the classic full English with lots of options, but there are also some other specials such as devilled kidneys. For the healthier passengers, there are continental breakfasts or cereals. Lunches also follow the theme, favourites such as Steak and Kidney Pie and fish and chips plus many more dishes can be found during the day. The more formal evening meals are set over six courses. All served by attentive staff in tasteful surroundings. On board you will also find the Arcadian Rhodes. This restaurant, as the name suggests was designed by Gary Rhodes for the Arcadia. It's an intimate and upmarket restaurant serving British fare with a modern twist, created by none other than Gary Rhodes.

The entertainment and bars also carry a British theme. There's even a British pub called The Rising Sun pub. Pop in and enjoy a beer. It's located right next door to the casino, so you can either celebrate a win or commisserate a loss. For those with some evening energy, why not try the Electra nightclub, and dance the night away. If passengers prefer to be entertained, there is always The Globe. The Globe offers a variety of shows. These stretch fro Comedy to live music.

For those needing a little pampering after all the fun and games of the day, why not relax in the Oasis Spa and Health Club. The gym has a modern gym with various classes. The spa offers treatments and there are steam rooms and a large whirlpool.

The Arcadia is an adults only ship, so customers wishing for a quiet relaxing cruise away from children will find this ship perfect.

Ship particulars

Food
The Arcadia has plenty of dining options to keep all passengers happy during their cruise, no matter the length. Passengers can decide to always dine in one area or swap and change at leisure.

The Meridian Restaurant is the main restaurant, and is a large and airy space. The restaurant itself is two level with a grand spiral staircase linking both levels. The room is lit by huge glass chandeliers, which cast a warm glow over the passengers as they eat. Here passengers dine on six courses derived from the finest British cuisine has to offer and prepared by master chefs. The food is transported to your table by friendly and attentive waiters, and your tables are covered in crisp white linen tablecloths and sparkling glasses.

Your tables here are assigned on arrival, giving you a great opportunity to meet and mingle with new friends. The Meridian restaurant is a great place to dine.

The Belvedere Food Court is the Arcadia's buffet restaurant and flexible alternative to the main restaurant. Passengers may book tables or just turn up. The restaurant has a large number of items on offer from all types of food, from Oriental, Italian and British to name a few. There is indoor and outdoor seating, your choice.

There are two other special restaurants on board the Arcadia, these allow you to choose when and who you dine with. There is the Orchid Restaurant with its amazing views and informal attomosphere which draws many passengers to the Sky deck at the top of the ship. There is a huge variety of choices on the menu with flavours of Japanese, Chinese, Indonesian, Thai and Indian cuisines. In fact, the restaurant offers immaculately presented Asian fusion dishes which you are bound to enjoy.

Last but not least is Arcadian Rhodes. This restaurant, as the name suggests was designed by Gary Rhodes for the Arcadia. it's an intimate and upmarket restaurant serving British fare with a modern twist, created by none other than Gary Rhodes. The restaurant is located in the middle of the ship and is easily found. Whatever you choose, you are sure to find something you like on board the Arcadia.

Excercise

The Arcadia has an Oasis Spa and Health Club. The spa offers a multitude of therapies. Many of the standard massages and facials are available along with special treatments. With steam rooms in the changing areas and a large whirlpool, theres bound to be something for everyone. Enjoy a dip in the hydro pool, and feel rejuvenated or have a therapeutic massage. These are designed to make you feel wonderful and with big windows, you can relax and let the staff take away all your stress and worries whilst you look out over a splendid ocean view.

There is also a well appointed gym with plenty of exercise machines together with various classes. There are a handfull of free classes but others are offered at a premium.

For those passengers who prefer to exercise outside, and less formally, there is the sports court. Why not challenge another passenger to a game of tennis?. Or if you prefer golf, why not test your swing with a few balls into the driving net.

Time spent in Arcadia's Oasis spa and fitness centre is time well spent.

Formal nights

Each night on board the Arcadia, there is a dress code. Before you sail your cruise pack will tell you how many of each night there will be. The exact dates these nights will not be confirmed until you are on board. On a typical two week cruise there are normally four black tie evenings, four Smart evenings and six Evening Casual nights.

Evening Casual can include separates or dresses for ladies and open-neck polo shirts and casual trousers (not shorts) for men. A jacket and smart trousers can be worn but are not compulsory. Smart dark denim is also fine, but not trainers, football shirts or tracksuits.

Black tie evenings Black tie nights on board are an opportunity for ladies to wear glamorous evening wear including cocktail dresses, ballgown or even a smart trouser suit. For men, a dinner jacket or tuxedo are the norm, but a dark lounge or business suit and tie can be worn as an alternative. You can also wear formal national dress.

Smart Smart evenings give you the opportunity to wear a variety of stylish outfits. On Smart evenings ladies typically wear tailored trousers and separates or even a stylish dress, while men are in a shirt and trousers with a jacket, such as a blazer or sports jacket or a suit and tie if they wish to.

Dress code on board the Arcadia is enforced and only appropriate attire will allow entry to the ship's bars and restaurants.

Smoking

Smoking is only allowed in designated areas of the Arcadia. These are generally found port side on open decks, however a complete list will be made available to you in your cabin upon embarkation.

Smoking is not permitted in any public room or inside staterooms, however smoking is permitted on your balcony. These rules also apply to electronic cigarettes.